I’m using Wisprflow much more on my Mac these days, and am looking for microphone recommendations.
Looking for something small and unobtrusive that will capture audio to my computer. I’ve been using the mike on my laptop, but want to be able to pace while I dictate. (Wisprflow tells me my AirPods don’t provide clear enough audio!)
People speak well of the Hollyland mikes … and there are so many options that decision fatigue sets in every time I look at them!
So, seeking recommendations based on your experiences. (Not wedded to that brand if there’s a better option)
If you want something small and unobtrusive for dictation, the Hollyland Lark series is probably a decent bet IMO. The Lark A1 is a great budget option around $35 to $40, and the Lark M series or Lark M2 are solid upgrades around $80. If you want to spend more, DJI’s wireless mics are also very good, roughly $60 to $200 depending on the model, so it mainly comes down to your budget.
I use the MacBook Pro microphone as input instead of AirPods when at work. At home, I use the Lark A1. works pretty well for me.
Just being pendantic, but guessing everyone knows that unobtrusive equates to wireless. Ultimate reliability/simplicity would be a small wired mic.
For this application a wireless button mic is probably a great compromise, but ultimate reliability might still tilt towards a wired lavelier or other external mic.
I have had issues with some devices pairing promptly to my iPhone or iPad but not to my mac. However, I have a 2019 MBP, and the bluetooth (BT) protocols may not have been as up to date as the headset device demanded. In short, when in doubt, ask.
Otherwise, while not small and unobtrusive, I’ve had nothing but great success capturing audio while strolling around at the front of a lecture room using the BlueParrot 250 over-the-head microphone + ear set. Also, at one point on a whim, I purchased a Jabra in-ear component, with plans (that never materialized) to use it for improved phone calls.
Finally, some (most?) of the Hollyland options include a dongle that should attach to the Phone rather than pairing directly with the BT on the device (Phone/computer) itself. Based on my experiences using the BlueParrot, wireless BT directly to mac should work very well over a good range when you find a device that supports it properly.
Great observation worth further discussion - “wireless” is a generic term and is not the same thing as Bluetooth/BLE.
In professional video gear, Bluetooth/BLE is considered the least reliable wireless technology. All pro gear and many prosumer products uses some other form of RF (radio frequency) wireless communication, either unlicensed or licensed (high-end gear).
For convenience, a lot of the wireless proconsumer gear in the last few years are often dual-mode; they have a proprietary wireless receiver dongle, but can also be put into Bluetooth/BLE mode for use without the dongle.
Before buying, confirm which types of wireless options are supported, both modes (proprietary RF and standard BLE) have pros and cons, but only one mode can be active at any time.
Just a question - have you tried making a regular recording with Voice Memos to see how your AirPods audio sounds? Turn on the recording, do your pacing, do everything like you’d do with Wispr Flow. Then listen to the recording.
I’ve had occasional issues where for some reason there’s Bluetooth interference, and in that case it’s likely that no Bluetooth mic is going to help your situation. But solving the Bluetooth issue would. And it would let you use your AirPods.
